VETERAN RIGHT HANDER BECOMES FIRST CONTRACT PURCHASED FROM NEW BRITAIN IN 2017

 

(New Britain, Conn., May 1, 2017) – New Britain Bees team officials today announced that starting pitcher Casey Coleman has had his contract purchased by the Houston Astros organization. He will report to Fresno (AAA).

 

“Casey came here and pitched very well in his two starts for us,” said Bees Manager Stan Cliburn. “We wish him the absolute best with the Astros organization.”

 

Coleman, 29, made two starts for New Britain, going 0-1 with a 2.61 earned run average. The Ft. Myers, Florida native was the Bees’ Opening Day starter on April 21 against the York Revolution. Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft, Coleman started his professional career after being drafted again by the Cubs, this time in the 15th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. The 6-foot right hander spent parts of four seasons in the Major Leagues, including three seasons with the Cubs from 2010-2012. Coleman has appeared in 58 MLB games, and has played 10 seasons of professional baseball overall, tossing 981.2 innings and with 679 career strikeouts and a career era of 4.01. Coleman’s father and grandfather, both named Joe, each played multiple seasons in Major League Baseball.

 

Coleman is the seventh Bees player to have his contract purchased by a major league team in franchise history, and the first during the 2017 season. Coleman joins Bees alumni Shawn Haviland (Boston Red Sox - AAA), Josh Zeid (St. Louis Cardinals - AAA), Nick Greenwood (Minnesota Twins - AAA) and Josh Outman (Washington Nationals - AAA) in affiliated baseball.

 

In a corresponding roster move, the Bees have re-signed right hander Mike Lee. Lee, a native of Las Vegas, made eight starts for New Britain last season after being acquired from the Lancaster Barnstormers, going 5-0 with a 2.45 ERA.

 

The New Britain Bees start a four game series with Liberty Division rival Somerset tonight at 6:35 PM at New Britain Stadium. It’s Dollar Day Monday, with $1 hot dogs, chips, soda, and popcorn at every concession stand during the game. Tickets are available by calling (860) 826-BEES, online at nbbees.com, or at the New Britain Stadium Box Office.

 

About the New Britain Bees

The New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, playing all home games at New Britain Stadium. Tickets for the 2017 season, including Season Tickets and Mini-Plans, are available by calling 860-826-BEES (2337), online at NBBees.com, or by visiting the New Britain Bees’ Front Office.

 

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB.  The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.

 

For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com

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